Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science

Why study the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at UNE?

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at UNE is a multidisciplinary program that develops a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and applied aspects of sport, exercise and health. The course includes core studies in human structure, function and behaviour before further study on the acute and chronic physiological and psychological responses to exercise. Analytical, technical and professional skills are developed in the areas of movement analysis, health and fitness assessment and exercise training for health and performance. Students complete 140 hours of workplace experience in their final trimester of study to practice these skills. Graduates are recognisedfor their expertise in the design and implementation of exercise interventions to prevent disease and improve athletic performance.

Currently the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science is not an accredited course. UNE is seeking accreditation with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) for this course.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this course can be employed in a range of fields including health and physical activity promotion, sports science, health and fitness (personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, health consultant/educator), clinical measurements (cardiac/respiratory/sleep technician) and postgraduate research/coursework in related disciplines.

International students must meet the University's English language requirements.

Additional Requirements

All students are required to have a current senior first aid certificate prior to completing the first trimester of candidature. The certificate must be obtained from an accredited (Workcover approved) body at the student's own expense.

Practical, Clinical or Work Experience

To attain full membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), students must complete 140 hours of practicum experience. Practicum may be completed in hospital/clinical services, occupational rehabilitation, exercise delivery for apparently healthy clients, sports science/performance, exercise & sports science research and/or workplace health. These hours are to be completed under the supervision of:

i) an Accredited Exercise Physiologist

ii) an exercise professional with, or capable of, attaining full membership of ESSA;

iii) a university-trained allied health professional with experience in exercise delivery, and/or

iv) a certificate IV in fitness trained individual with at least 10 years FTE experience within the exercise & sports science industry**.

The clinical placement officer will assist students in identifying suitable practicum sites/supervisors, and facilitate the practicum placement process. It is the student's responsibility to approach practicum sites/supervisors and arrange the terms of their placement under the guidance of the clinical placement officer. International placements can be proposed for consideration.

* Under extenuating circumstances** the supervision of students working with apparently healthy clients may be completed by an individual with a certificate 4 in fitness who has at least ten years (full time equivalent) experience in exercise delivery. The supervisor will be required to have received an induction*** into student supervision.

**Extenuating circumstances include an inability to obtain a University trained professional.

***The induction into student supervision can be completed by the Academic Unit and should comprise elements such as expectations of the university, one-on-one supervision of students, and guidelines on conflict resolution and evaluation.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Academic Colours

Straw (BCC 51)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via
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These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in
the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2016.

Additional Requirements

All students are required to have a current senior first aid certificate prior to completing the first trimester of candidature. The certificate must be obtained from an accredited (Workcover approved) body at the student's own expense.

This course aims to provide a range of learning experiences to develop the core knowledge and skills across the sub disciplines of exercise and sports science as identified by Exercise and Sports Science Australia. This includes but is not limited to biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control/learning, exercise and sport psychology, human nutrition/development/health and exercise testing and prescription for health and performance.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the sub-disciplines of exercise and sports science, including the creative endeavour involved in acquiring knowledge and the contestable and testable nature of scientific knowledge;

use information literacy to analyse and evaluate the relationships between physical activity, athletic performance and health with a global context;

design and implement strategies/interventions to enhance participation, performance and enjoyment of sport and physical activity at the individual and community level; and

provide specialist services that recognise the historical, sociocultural, political and ethical dimensions of professional practice in exercise and sport related fields.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline

The knowledge and skills relevant to exercise and sport related fields will be taught, assessed and practised within the program starting with the foundations in first year, followed by more specific and specialised coverage in the second and third year of the program. Several of the units will critically examine concepts and principles of physical activity, sport and health from a global perspective. Students will be taught and assessed on their understanding of the nature of exercise and sporting practices.

Communication Skills

All units within the program require compentency in oral and written forms of communication. This will be taught, assessed and practised throughout the course of study.

Problem Solving

Units throughout the degree will teach, assess and require students to apply logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of problems relevant to professional practice in exercise and sport related fields.

Information Literacy

Fundamental to all the units in the program is the ability to source and critically evaluate exercise and sport related information. This will be taught and assessed in core units within the course.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Reflecting on social responsibility and ethical conduct, professional practice is embedded in the course content. Units will require students to address and understand how social, political, economic, ideological and cultural imperatives are constructed and act upon people in different health and sporting contexts.

Lifelong Learning

Students will be taught, assessed and be given the opportunity to practise new skills and apply these skills to increasingly more complex and unexpected situations. As students progress through the course they will be able to reflect on the limitations of, and have the capacity to evaluate their current knowledge.

Independence and Collaboration

Collaboration is an essential component of the course and practice in exercise and sport related fields. In different units throughout the degree, students will undertake independent projects as well as team/group assessments. They will be assessed on, and practise being part of, a collaborative team to achieve common goals and solve problems.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

New domestic students to UNE apply to study on-campus by Early Entry or through UAC or QTAC

The University of New England respects and acknowledges that its people, programs and facilities are built on land, and surrounded by a sense of belonging, both ancient and contemporary, of the world's oldest living culture. In doing so, UNE values and respects Indigenous knowledge systems as a vital part of the knowledge capital of Australia.